Burundi orders UN to close Human Rights office in Bujumbura

Burundi’s government has reportedly asked the United Nations Human Rights Council to close its office in the country within two months, according to foreign ministry and UN sources.

A senior official of the country’s foreign ministry told AFP news agency that a notice was on Wednesday given to the UN Resident Coordinator in Burundi, Garry Conille, for transmission in Geneva to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.

“All international staff must be redeployed immediately, and the Office has two months to pack its bags and close its doors permanently,” said the source, who prefered anonymity.

The Burundi government is growing more radical and defiant towards the international community.

Burundi had suspended collaboration with the human rights office since October 2016.

The government accused it of “complicity” in the drafting of a UN report that highlighted “serious violations” of human rights and possible “crimes against humanity” by Burundian authorities.